A double-blind investigation of the relationship between seizure activity and the sleep EEG following EEG biofeedback training

Purpose: i) To determine the relationship between the cardiac biomarkers ST2 and NT-proBNP with ejection fraction (EF) in heart failure (HF) patients. ii) Assess whether a superiority existed between the aforementioned cardiac markers in diagnosing the HF with reduced EF. iii) Determine the efficacy of both biomarkers in predicting a 30-day cardiovascular event and rehospitalization in patients with HF with reduced EF iv) To assess the influence of age, gender, BMI, anaemia and renal failure on the ST2 and NT-proBNP levels. Design and Methods: A prospective double-blind study was conducted to obtain data from a sample of 64 cardiology patients. A blood sample was collected to test for ST2 and NT-proBNP. An echocardiogram (to obtain EF value), electrocardiogram and questionnaire were also obtained. Results: Of the 64 patients enrolled, 59.4% of the population had an EF less than 40%. At the end of the 30- day period, 7 patients were warded, 37 were not warded, one died and 17 were non respondent. Both biomarkers were efficacious at diagnosing HF with a reduced EF. However, neither of them were efficacious in predicting 30-day rehospitalization. The mean NT-proBNP values being: not rehospitalized (2114.7486) and 30 day rehospitalization (1008.42860) and the mean ST2 values being: not rehospitalized (336.1975), and 30-day rehospitalization. (281.9657). Conclusion: Neither ST2 or NT-proBNP was efficacious in predicting the short- term prognosis in HF with reduced EF. Both however were successful at confirming the diagnosis of HF in HF patients with reduced EF.

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The Relationship between Resistance Exercise Performance and Ventilatory Efficiency after Beetroot Juice Intake in Well-Trained Athletes

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041094 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1094

Author(s):

Noemí Serra-Payá ◽

Manuel Vicente Garnacho-Castaño ◽

Sergio Sánchez-Nuño ◽

Lluís Albesa-Albiol ◽

Montserrat Girabent-Farrés ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resistance Exercise ◽

Exercise Test ◽

Exercise Performance ◽

Beetroot Juice ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Double Blind ◽

Ventilatory Efficiency ◽

End Tidal ◽

Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope ◽

The Relationship

The assessment of ventilatory efficiency is critical to understanding the matching of ventilation (VE) and perfusion in the lungs during exercise. This study aimed to establish a causal physiological relationship between ventilatory efficiency and resistance exercise performance after beetroot juice (BJ) intake. Eleven well-trained males performed a resistance exercise test after drinking 140 mL of BJ (~12.8 mmol NO3−) or a placebo (PL). Ventilatory efficiency was assessed by the VE•VCO2−1 slope, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2). The two experimental conditions were controlled using a randomized, double-blind crossover design. The resistance exercise test involved repeating the same routine twice, which consisted of wall ball shots plus a full squat (FS) with a 3 min rest or without a rest between the two exercises. A higher weight lifted was detected in the FS exercise after BJ intake compared with the PL during the first routine (p = 0.004). BJ improved the VE•VCO2−1 slope and the PetCO2 during the FS exercise in the first routine and at rest (p < 0.05). BJ intake improved the VE•VCO2−1 slope and the PetCO2 coinciding with the resistance exercise performance. The ergogenic effect of BJ could be induced under aerobic conditions at rest.

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Serotonin Dysfunction in Pathological Gamblers: Increased Prolactin Response to Oral m-CPP Versus Placebo

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852900015145 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 956-965 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Stefano Pallanti ◽

Silvia Bernardi ◽

Leonardo Quercioli ◽

Concetta DeCaria ◽

Eric Hollander

Keyword(s):

Clinical Severity ◽

Acute Administration ◽

Double Blind ◽

Pathological Gamblers ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Cortisol Responses ◽

Gambling Severity ◽

Prolactin Response ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACTObjectiveAcute administration of the partial serotonin (5-HT) agonist meta-chlorophenylpi-perazine (m-CPP), that is used also as a street drug, has been reported to induce a “high” and craving response in various impulsive and sub-stance addiction disorders.IntroductionTo clarify altered 5-HT metabolism in pathological gamblers and to explore the specific role of serotonergic system in non substance addictions, we assessed behavioral (“high” and “craving”) and neuroendocrine (prolactin and cortisol) responses to an oral single dose of m-CPP and placebo in pathological gamblers and matched controls. Moreover, the relationship between neuroendocrine outcome and clinical severity has been assessed.MethodTwenty-six pathological gamblers and 26 healthy control subjects enter a double-blind, placebo-controlled-crossed administration of orally dose m-CPP 0.5 mg/kg. Outcome measures included prolactin and cortisol levels, gambling severity, mood, craving and “high” scales.ResultsPathological gamblers had significantly increased prolactin response compared to controls at 180 minutes and at 210 minutes post–administration. Greater pathological gamblers severity correlated with increased neuroendocrine responsiveness to m-CCP, suggesting greater 5-HT dysregulation. Pathological gambling patients had a significantly increased “high” sensation after m-CPP administration compared with control.ConclusionThese results provide additional evidence for 5-HT disturbance in pathological gamblers and they support the hypotheses that the role of the 5-HT dysfunction related to the experience of “high” might represent the path-way that leads to dyscontrolled behavior in patho-logical gamblers. Furthermore, the “high” feeling induced by m-CPP in pathological subjects may represent a marker of vulnerability to both behav-ioral and substance addictions.

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Use of a Short Course of Prednisone for Treating Middle Ear Effusion

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/00034894800890s369 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 89 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 296-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Richard H. Schwartz ◽

Joseph Puglese ◽

Daniel M. Schwartz

Keyword(s):

Otitis Media With Effusion ◽

Double Blind ◽

Short Course ◽

Prior Use ◽

Unilateral Disease ◽

History Of ◽

Ventilating Tubes ◽

Lactose Powder ◽

The Relationship ◽

Ear Effusion

This report presents findings of a double-blind crossover prospective study involving the use of a short course of prednisone for the treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME). Subjects were 41 children with persistent OME for three weeks or more despite the use of antimicrobial and/or decongestant therapy. Pulverized prednisone tablets (5 mg) or lactose powder (placebo) were packed in unmarked gelatin capsules and placed in identically coded vials. The dosage schedule was 1 mg/kg/day for the first two days in a divided dose; 0.75 mg/kg/day for the next two days; followed by 5–10 mg/kg/day as a single morning dose for the remaining three days. In addition, all children received concomitant sulfisoxazole suspension of 50 mg/kg/day twice daily. Results for 40 children treated with steroids either initially or following crossover revealed that 70% demonstrated resolution of OME via pneumo-otoscopy and 64% via tympanometry. In addition, we examined the relationship between the ability to resolve effusion with corticosteroids and six variables: 1) duration of OME prior to entry into study, 2) month of year at entry into study, 3) bilateral versus unilateral disease, 4) child's sex, 5) prior use of ventilating tubes, and 6) personal or family history of allergy. The results of these comparisons are discussed.

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Sustainability balanced scorecard architecture and environmental performance outcomes: a systematic review

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management ◽

10.1108/ijppm-12-2019-0582 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Suaad Jassem ◽

Zarina Zakaria ◽

Anna Che Azmi

Keyword(s):

Conceptual Framework ◽

Balanced Scorecard ◽

Environmental Performance ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Future Research ◽

Double Blind ◽

Holistic Model ◽

Content Type ◽

The Relationship

PurposeThis study aims to assess the current state of research on the use of sustainability balanced scorecards (SBSCs), as they relate to environmental performance-related outcomes. It also seeks to present a conceptual framework proposing relationships between SBSC and environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts a systematic literature review of articles published in double-blind peer-reviewed journals that are listed on Scopus and/or Web of Science databases.FindingsThe first part of the paper reveals that two architectures of SBSC appear to be dominant in the literature (SBSC-4 where sustainability parameters are integrated with the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard and SBSC-5 where sustainability is shown as an additional standalone fifth perspective). The next part of the paper presents a conceptual model relating SBSC as decision-making tools to environmental performance outcomes. The paper also indicates that SBSC knowledge mediates the above relationships. Furthermore, based on the theory of expert competence, the presence of experts possibly moderates the relationship between SBSC architecture and environmental performance outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature indicates a lack of consensus on establishing a clear linkage on the relationship between SBSC architecture and environmental performance outcomes. As a result, a holistic conceptual framework where SBSC knowledge acts as a mediator and presence of experts as a moderator may be able to provide a more consistent relationship between SBSC architecture and environmental performance outcomes.Practical implicationsThe conceptual framework proposed provides factors to be considered by decision makers, for effective outcomes when aiming to achieve environmental stewardship objectives.Social implicationsEnvironmental performance by business organisations have come under close scrutiny of stakeholders. As a result, the holistic model proposed in the current study may pave the path for decision-makers to achieve superior environmental outcomes, leading to greater satisfaction of stakeholders such as the communities that are impacted by the business operations of an organisation.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to propose a model for future research regarding the link between SBSC and environmental performance outcomes – with expert managers acting as moderators and SBSC knowledge acting as a mediator.

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Dose-Response Effects of Methylphenidate on Academic Performance and Overt Behavior in Hyperactive Children

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.84.4.648 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 84 (4) ◽

pp. 648-657

Author(s):

Rosemary Tannock ◽

Russell J. Schachar ◽

Robert P. Carr ◽

Gordon D. Logan

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Disorder ◽

Task Complexity ◽

Academic Functioning ◽

Placebo Control ◽

Morning Dose ◽

Double Blind ◽

Academic Tasks ◽

Overt Behavior ◽

Hyperactive Children ◽

The Relationship

In the present study, the effects of 0.3 mg/ kg and 1.0 mg/kg of methylphenidate on the overt behavior and academic functioning of 12 children with an established diagnosis of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity were evaluated. A double-blind, placebo-control, within-subject (crossover) design was used, in which each child was tested four times in each drug condition. Drug conditions were alternated on a bidaily basis and each child received two different drug conditions each day. The academic tasks were designed for evaluation of the relationship between task complexity and dose. Whereas overt behavior improved with increasing dose, academic functioning was improved with methylphenidate, but did not vary with either dose or task complexity. Also, investigated were potential carryover effects of a morning dose of methylphenidate on performance in the afternoon. Behavioral and academic improvements produced by a dose of 0.3 mg/kg in the morning were no longer evident in the afternoon, but a morning dose of 1.0 mg/kg produced behavioral improvements that were clinically and statistically discernible in the afternoon, although the academic improvements had dissipated.

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Interaction of Cannabis Use Disorder and Striatal Connectivity in Antipsychotic Treatment Response

Schizophrenia Bulletin Open ◽

10.1093/schizbullopen/sgaa014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Melanie Blair Thies ◽

Pamela DeRosse ◽

Deepak K Sarpal ◽

Miklos Argyelan ◽

Christina L Fales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Response ◽

Reward Processing ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

First Episode ◽

Antipsychotic Treatment ◽

Cannabis Use Disorder ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Double Blind ◽

History Of ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Antipsychotic (AP) medications are the mainstay for the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), but their efficacy is unpredictable and widely variable. Substantial efforts have been made to identify prognostic biomarkers that can be used to guide optimal prescription strategies for individual patients. Striatal regions involved in salience and reward processing are disrupted as a result of both SSD and cannabis use, and research demonstrates that striatal circuitry may be integral to response to AP drugs. In the present study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the relationship between a history of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and a striatal connectivity index (SCI), a previously developed neural biomarker for AP treatment response in SSD. Patients were part of a 12-week randomized, double-blind controlled treatment study of AP drugs. A sample of 48 first-episode SSD patients with no more than 2 weeks of lifetime exposure to AP medications, underwent a resting-state fMRI scan pretreatment. Treatment response was defined a priori as a binary (response/nonresponse) variable, and a SCI was calculated in each patient. We examined whether there was an interaction between lifetime CUD history and the SCI in relation to treatment response. We found that CUD history moderated the relationship between SCI and treatment response, such that it had little predictive value in SSD patients with a CUD history. In sum, our findings highlight that biomarker development can be critically impacted by patient behaviors that influence neurobiology, such as a history of CUD.

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Community-Based Care in the ANRS-IPERGAY Trial: The Challenges of Combination Prevention

AIDS Education and Prevention ◽

10.1521/aeap.2019.31.3.259 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 259-272 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Costanza Puppo ◽

Xavier Mabire ◽

Laurent Cotte ◽

Daniela Rojas Castro ◽

Bruno Spire ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Health Workers ◽

Open Label ◽

Community Based ◽

Double Blind ◽

Combination Prevention ◽

Open Label Extension ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

The Relationship

ANRS-IPERGAY was a community-based randomized trial investigating the efficacy of sexual activity-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a population of males and transgender females who had sex with men and were at high risk of HIV infection. We qualitatively analyzed the support provided to participants by community-based health workers (CBHW) throughout the trial's double-blind and open-label extension phases. In particular, we showed that the relationship between participants and CBHW strongly influenced self-managed pill intake. The delicate construction of this relationship, balanced between trust and dependence, played an important role in PrEP adherence. CBHW had to deal with various issues surrounding participants' feelings of empowerment regarding their role in the trial, as well as related tensions between various logics and rationalities. They were essential to participants' continued involvement.

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